Product Review: Soapnuts Laundry Detergent

This is something I put off trying for years, but as soon as I started my quest to reduce my waste, I bought some. I have been using soapnuts ever since! An eco-friendly alternative to laundry detergent and synthetic soaps, they are natural and non-polluting. But for me, with sensitive skin, which goes blotchy with many conventional laundry detergents (and softeners!), I was particularly nervous about changing from the one I have used for well over 30 years…

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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Creative Recycling: Art Workshop Day

Drop into the Visual Arts Cheshire Gallery in Barons Quay (opposite WildWood) next Saturday to see the new 20×20 exhibition and try a free ‘Creative Recycling’ art workshop.

 
Inspired by my own journey to Zero Waste, I will be showing you how to make some art by upcycling scrap materials we all have at home! These can then be entered into the art exhibition or taken home! All ages welcome!  (I will also have some Zero Waste Llama items for sale, for those looking to fill their stockings early!).
 
 

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Product Review: The Wonderbag

When Cathrene told me that she had ordered a Wonderbag to try, I was so excited. Not just because it meant that I could try out our new pumpkin dish (Le Creuset - a once-in-a-lifetime investment!), but because it would give me the opportunity to try out a new recipe. I’ve loved to cook ever since I was young, I would help my mum by chopping vegetables and stirring the pot! Despite my love of cooking, I’ve never made a stew! My boyfriends Mums Beef stew and dumplings is by far my favourite meal, but I’ve never tried to make it myself. Cath is on a "energy saving" mission at the moment (mind you, given the energy price increases of late, we are both keen to curb our usage!), so this was something that she was really keen to try, having seen videos on TikToK and friends reviews on Facebook.

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Product Review: Georganics Oil Pulling Mouthwash

Having used the same mouthwash for several decades, trying a new one was daunting. I decided to give the Oil Pulling Mouthwash – Activated Charcoal by Georganics a try (in addition to the Georganics Mouthwash Tablets which I reviewed last month). To clarify, this is my honest Georganics oil pulling mouthwash review based on my personal experience.

Georganics added 1g/100ml of activated charcoal from coconut shells to this blend of virgin organic coconut oil and peppermint essential oil gives it a unique mildly abrasive quality. The highly porous activated charcoal traps bacteria and removes stains, cleansing and whitening teeth naturally. Such ingredients are worth noting in any Georganics oil pulling mouthwash review.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Product Review: Naked Sprout Toilet Paper

Naked Sprout bamboo toilet roll is the most eco-friendly toilet roll on the market. Free from plastic, bleach and harsh chemicals.

Sarah and I have been testing it – alongside other eco brands – for some time now. We think that, if you can get past the colour, then a subscription to Naked Sprout is your pathway to a more sustainable lifestyle.

(Use this link and you can get a £5 order off your first purchase!)

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Bamboo - a beautiful green feeling by Clement Souchet on Unsplash
Bamboo - a beautiful green feeling by Clement Souchet on Unsplash

World Bamboo Day 18th September 2022

World Bamboo Day is celebrated every year on 18th September to raise global awareness of bamboo and highlight its vital role as one of the world’s most sustainable natural resources. In regions where bamboo grows naturally, it has been used for centuries in everyday life — from building materials and tools to household items, textiles, and food.

However, bamboo has not always been utilised sustainably. Over‑exploitation and poor management have caused environmental and social issues in some areas. As technology advances and greener innovations emerge, bamboo is now being reintroduced to global markets in a far more responsible and forward‑thinking way.

Today, bamboo products are more widely available than ever before, gaining acceptance across households, industries, and architectural design. From eco‑friendly toothbrushes and cutlery to construction materials and fabrics, bamboo is actively changing how we build, consume, and live within our environment.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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Reducing Food Waste at Home

Reducing food waste is one of the easiest and most effective ways to live more sustainably — and it’s something I actively work on every day. Not only does wasting less food help the planet, it also saves money, time, and unnecessary stress.

Food waste contributes significantly to climate change, with vast amounts of edible food ending up in landfill every year. When food rots in landfill, it releases methane — a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO₂. The good news? Small, realistic changes at home can make a huge difference in reducing food waste.

Here are the most effective habits I’ve adopted to reduce the amount of food I waste — without making life harder. By focusing on reducing waste, you can easily make a positive impact at home as well.

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Seasonal Gifts – Sowing Seeds for the Future

Although my seasonal gifts were sent off to friends all over the world over a month ago, most would only be opening them today… so I had to wait before sharing this idea! This year, I wanted to focus on choosing seasonal sustainable gifts that felt thoughtful and eco-friendly. Actually, finding seasonal sustainable gifts was my main priority for this festive season. In recent years, I’ve been trying to move away from traditional seasonal gifts that are often expensive, resource-heavy, and quickly forgotten. Instead, I’ve been looking for meaningful alternatives that align with low-waste and sustainable values — gifts that create joy without creating clutter. This shift has inspired me to seek seasonal sustainable gifts for loved ones. Estimated reading time: 2 minutes This year, friends and family received something a little different:an envelope of wildflower seeds, with this message: “Here are some wildflower seeds to scatter, in your own garden or in the wild!To bring you – and others (people, bees and butterflies) – joy and happiness at the sight.Please scatter during March.” I love this idea because it’s a gift that truly keeps on giving. Not only does it avoid unnecessary packaging and waste, but it also supports pollinators, boosts biodiversity, and adds colour and life to outdoor spaces — long after the festive season has passed. Moreover, seasonal sustainable gifts like these wildflower seeds have a lasting positive impact. Wildflowers are especially important for bees and butterflies, whose habitats are increasingly under threat. Even a small scattering…

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‘No Limits’ Disability Festival

Zero Waste Llama will be having a stall at the No Limits Festival, on the 26th August! This year, the No Limits Disability Festival will be an inclusive and exciting experience for everyone. No Limits is a new exciting festival, celebrating disabled people in the North West, hosted by Disability Positive. You'll find lots of useful information and advice about services and opportunities in the local area, as well as the chance to support disabled artists and entrepreneurs, enjoy entertainment, food and drink and fun activities! Don’t miss the vibrant No Limits Disability Festival for its range of accessibility features and community spirit. No Limits Festival 2022 We want to empower disabled people to live an independent life with No Limits. Come along and join the celebration! Please note that we will have the following available on the day to enhance your No Limits Disability Festival experience: Accessible Toilets Changing Place British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation Empower disabled people to live an independent life with No Limits. Come along and join the celebration! Please join us at mid-day on Friday 26th August 2022 at: Northwich Memorial Court (Brio Leisure), 62 Chester Way, Northwich, CW9 5QJ. Book your FREE ticket here. In conclusion, we are proud to be a part of the No Limits Disability Festival and hope to see you there! Sponsors: Vivo Care Choices Northwich Town Council Northwich Memorial Court Key Takeaways Zero Waste Llama will participate in the No Limits Disability Festival on 26th August, celebrating disabled people…

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Product Review: Faith in Nature Coconut Conditioner

I first bought the Faith in Nature Coconut Conditioner before I fully committed to reducing my waste, and it’s one of those products that has stayed with me through several lifestyle changes.

This conditioner is designed for normal to dry hair and is made with organic coconut oil, giving it a rich, tropical scent without feeling artificial or overpowering. I used it regularly for over a year and found it left my hair feeling soft, manageable, and well-hydrated without weighing it down.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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